One big investor said a rights call "should be under consideration as Premier is still paying many millions in interest despite recent disposals", according to the report. It is understood that at least one of Premier's three big investors - Paulson & Co, Warburg Pincus and Franklin Templeton, which speak for 40% of the shares - would back a move to raise cash, according to the report.

Clarke will take the reins in September from CEO Robert Schofield, who has been at the company for nine years.

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